Poland’s Central Statistical Office (GUS) has calculated that foreigners visiting Poland spent PLN 19.1 bln (EUR 4.45 bln) during the first six months of the year, an increase from last year.

The statistical office said in a statement: “The estimated value of goods and services bought in Poland by (non-resident) foreigners reached PLN 19.1 billion in the first half of 2016.”

This represents a 4.5 percent increase relative to the same period of 2015.

Meanwhile spending by Poles travelling abroad has also risen, reaching PLN 8.4 billion in the first six months of 2016, a 2.6 percent increase on 2015.

According to GUS, the average foreigner in Poland spent PLN 480 (EUR 112), while the average Pole travelling abroad spent PLN 337 (EUR 78).

The majority of foreign spending in Poland came from citizens of other EU countries. Germans alone accounted for 48 percent of spending by foreigners who had crossed into Poland via land routes, while Ukrainians, Russians and Belarusians together accounted for under 28 percent.

GUS also estimated that in the second quarter of this year, two-thirds of foreigners visiting Poland came with the primary intent of shopping. (sl/rg)